Chitwan Rhinos make it three in a row

Kathmandu, October 19
Chitwan Rhinos defeated Pokhara Paltan by seven wickets for their third straight victory in the Women’s Champions League Twenty20 Cricket Tournament here at the TU Stadium today.

Batting first, the Paltan posted 127-5 in their allotted 20 overs before the Rhinos reached 128-3 with 12 balls remaining. With their third straight win, the Rhinos stayed at the top of the five-team table with six points.

In another match, Kat Queens Kathmandu beat Biratnagar Titans by 52 runs. With the win, the Queens moved to second position on superior run rate after being tied on four points with the Titans. The day’s results meant Pokhara Paltan were eliminated from playoffs race following their third straight defeat, while Lalitpur Falcons, who are yet to open their accounts after two matches, are in danger of early exit.

Paltan posted a mediocre total despite brilliant half century from skipper Sita Rana Magar. She was involved in three partnerships but did not get much support from the other end. Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar revived the innings with a 33-run partnership for the third wicket with Shila Chhetri (three), while the skipper combined with Kabita Kunwar to add 21 runs for the fourth wicket. Kunwar struck two fours in her 19-ball 15.

After Anjali Chand (four) was dismissed cheaply, Rana Magar and Manju Bogati added 43 runs for unbroken sixth wicket. The skipper hit seven boundaries and a six in her unbeaten 56-ball 65, while Bogati struck two each fours and sixes in her quick fire 24 not out off 16 balls.

Kabita Gautam took 2-21 for Rhinos, while Rekha Rawal grabbed one wicket. The Rhinos fielders also affected two run outs.

In reply, Rhinos openers Kajal Shrestha and Kanchan Shrestha set foundation for easy victory with 71-run partnership in 10.4 overs. Kanchan was the first to go when she was bowled by Anjali Chand for 29 off 34 balls that included two fours.

Kajal and skipper Indu Barma then added 47 runs for the second wicket to take the team close to victory before the two batters were dismissed in the space of three runs. Player-of-the-match Kajal struck five boundaries in her 47-ball 51, while Barma scored 24 off 23 balls with the help of four boundaries.

Suman Khatiwada (six) completed the formality as her partner Pyari Chaudhary did not get the chance to face a single ball. Anjali Chand took two wickets and Sushma Shrestha grabbed one for Paltan.

In another match, the Queens posted 139-2 in 20 overs before restricting Titans to 87-5. Put into bat first, the Queens lost opener Sobha Ale (two), trapped leg before by Dolly Bhatta, with just three runs on the board. Another opener Rashmi Chaulagain and Roma Thapa revived the innings with 76-run partnership for the second wicket. Thapa and skipper Rubina Chhetri Belbashi then shared 60-run stand for the unbroken fourth wicket to post challenging score.

Thapa top scored with 53 off 52 balls that included six boundaries, while skipper Belbashi struck three fours and a six in her unbeaten 35 off just 24 balls. Chaulagain scored 34 off 43 balls with the help of four boundaries before being run out.

In reply, Laxmi Chaudhary fought a lonely battle but her efforts were not enough for the Titans to avert the defeat. Chaudhary scored 40 off 50 balls hitting five boundaries. Dolly Bhatta was the only other Titans batter who contributed in double figures. She struck one each four and six in her 14-ball 13.

Suman Bist took 2-116 for the Queens, while Ishwori Bist and skipper Belbashi grabbed one wicket each. Roma Thapa of Queens was declared the player of the match.

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